Homosexuality And The Politics Of Truth

A Christian psychiatrist examines the latest research, refuting the alleged genetic basis for homosexuality and assessing the social power homosexuals have gained.

Homosexuality is arguably today s most controversial issue. Some people believe the following: God approves of homosexuality, people are born gay, both same-sex parenting and gay marriage are harmless, and anyone who disagrees is homophobic. Others believe the polar opposite. Ironically, while millions of Christians are reversing their position and embracing homosexuality, millions of homosexuals are reversing their position and renouncing it! So who is deceived and who is not? Whose beliefs are factual and whose are fictional? The answers can be found by examining the facts. Unfortunately, in today s progressive culture, facts are overshadowed by political correctness and popular opinion. Homosexuality, however, is not a matter of opinion; it is a matter of life and death. In addition to suffering from bullying and contracting STDs at astonishing rates, gays all over the world are being murdered, committing suicide, and dying from AIDS by the million. Further, if what the Bible says is true, there is eternity to consider. Given this, as Christians we cannot forsake correctness for political correctness. We cannot afford to be naive, confused, or silent on this issue, especially when lives and souls hang in the balance. Knowing and sharing the truth about homosexuality is more important now than ever before. So whether you wrestle with unanswered questions, you have loved ones you long to help, or you personally struggle with homosexuality, this is the book for you. There is help and there is hope in the truth. In The Truth about Homosexuality Bruce Smith Jr. tackles the most controversial themes, distinguishes fact from fiction, and answers critical questions such as: Is homosexuality a sin? Can a homosexual go to heaven? What is the true Christian position on homosexuality? Is it possible to overcome homosexuality? BRUCE SMITH JR., founder of Purity Quest Ministries, is a Christian virgin with a tremendous passion for God, sexual purity, and people of all walks of life. Bruce is an author, speaker, and apologist who is dedicated to studying and defending the Word of God. Bruce is the eldest son of a Bible-teaching pastor. He is a stickler for truth and a proponent of godliness in every area of life."

This book addresses the complex moral and pastoral questions involved in both homosexual orientation and activity, including an analysis of lifestyles in accord with the Christian Gospel and those running counter to Christian moral teaching.

Sometimes, grace gets messy. Caleb Kaltenbach was raised by LGBT parents, marched in gay pride parades as a youngster, and experienced firsthand the hatred and bitterness of some Christians toward his family. But then Caleb surprised everyone, including himself, by becoming a Christian…and a pastor. Very few issues in Christianity are as divisive as the acceptance of the LGBT community in the church. As a pastor and as a person with beloved family members living a gay lifestyle, Caleb had to face this issue with courage and grace. Messy Grace shows us that Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” doesn’t have an exception clause for a gay “neighbor”—or for that matter, any other “neighbor” we might find it hard to relate to. Jesus was able to love these people and yet still hold on to his beliefs. So can you. Even when it’s messy. “Messy Grace is an important contribution to the conversation about sexual identity for churches and leaders. Caleb's story is surprising and unique, and he weaves it together compellingly. He states his views clearly, leaves room for disagreement, and champions love no matter where you are in this conversation.” —Jud Wilhite, Sr. Pastor, Central Christian Church

In Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality: New Paths to Understanding, Rev. Louis Cameli, nationally renowned pastoral leader and priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, presents the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality with insight, new possibilities for spiritual care, and a vision for greater hospitality within the Church. Is the sexuality of homosexually inclined persons a blessing or a curse? Does it lead a person to God or away from God? Can a homosexual person be a good Catholic? With humility and pastoral sensitivity, Cameli offers hope to the many who feel alienated from the Church because of these questions. Taking his cue from Pope Benedict’s call to “express the teaching pastorally, theologically, and intellectually in the context of today’s studies of sexuality and anthropology,” he provides a deeper understanding of the Church’s theological language and stresses that while the Church is a teacher, it must also be a learner.

“I used to be a lesbian.” In Gay Girl, Good God, author Jackie Hill Perry shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness. Jackie grew up fatherless and experienced gender confusion. She embraced masculinity and homosexuality with every fiber of her being. She knew that Christians had a lot to say about all of the above. But was she supposed to change herself? How was she supposed to stop loving women, when homosexuality felt more natural to her than heterosexuality ever could? At age nineteen, Jackie came face-to-face with what it meant to be made new. And not in a church, or through contact with Christians. God broke in and turned her heart toward Him right in her own bedroom in light of His gospel. Read in order to understand. Read in order to hope. Or read in order, like Jackie, to be made new.

Why we are so fascinated with sex and sexuality—from the preeminent philosopher of the 20th century. Michel Foucault offers an iconoclastic exploration of why we feel compelled to continually analyze and discuss sex, and of the social and mental mechanisms of power that cause us to direct the questions of what we are to what our sexuality is.